Page 6 of Mai Tais and Murder

Mel couldn’t help but smile at Helen’s casual acceptance of what they both knew would happen. “I was thinking around ten? Give him time to get settled into whatever he’s working on.”

“Sounds perfect,” Helen agreed. “That gives us time to enjoy breakfast and get cleaned up. And maybe you can tell me more about what else you’ve been theorizing.”

“You know,” Mel said, reaching for Helen’s hand. “A year ago, I never would have imagined this. Having breakfast in Hawaii, planning to investigate a mysterious neighbor with someone who actually understands why I can’t just let it go.”

Helen squeezed her hand. “A year ago, I never would have imagined falling in love with a retired detective who makes the perfect cup of coffee and can’t help but solve mysteries.” She paused, her eyes twinkling. “Though I did imagine Hawaii. Just not quite like this.”

* * *

As she finishedthe divine-tasting omelet Mel made for her, Helen’s phone buzzed on the kitchen counter, the screen lighting up with her eldest daughter Diane’s smiling face. “Good morning, sweetheart,” Helen said, answering the phone and moving toward the balcony. She slipped into one of the chairs and relaxed.

“Mom, how’s Hawaii? Are you being careful? Are you using sunscreen?” Diane’s questions made Helen smile. At thirty-eight, her eldest daughter seemed to think their roles were reversed.

“Everything’s wonderful,” Helen assured her, settling into one of the cushioned chairs. “The weather’s perfect, the ocean’s beautiful, and Mel’s already got a sunburn despite my best efforts.”

There was a slight pause on the other end. “And how is Mel?” Diane’s voice held careful neutrality. While both her daughters had been supportive when Helen introduced them to Mel, she knew they were still adjusting to the idea of their mother in a new relationship.

“She’s good. Made me a wonderful breakfast. She’s quite the cook.” Helen watched through the glass as Mel cleaned up the kitchen. “You’d really like her if you gave her more of a chance, Diane.”

Another pause. “I know, Mom. It’s just all so… unexpected,” Diane said as her voice trailed off.

“I never expected it either,” Helen said softly. “But sometimes life surprises you in the best ways.”

The sound of waves in the distance filled the silence between them. “Are you happy?” Diane finally asked. “Really happy?”

“Yes,” Helen said without hesitation. “More than I’ve been in a very long time.” She watched as Mel glanced her way, offering a small smile. “She takes care of me but lets me be independent. Makes me laugh. Challenges me to try new things.”

“Like what?” Diane asked.

“Well, I’m going snorkeling tomorrow,” Helen said, chuckling at her daughter’s surprised gasp. “I know, I know. Your mother, who barely puts her face in the shower spray, is going to breathe through a tube in the ocean.”

Another pause. “Are you sure you should be doing that?”

Helen took a deep breath, reminding herself thatDiane only meant well. “I’m sure,” Helen answered. “I’ll have Mel take pictures.”

There was a flash of movement from the neighbor’s apartment. Helen looked to see the man pacing with his phone to his ear. “Mom?” Diane’s voice brought her attention back to the call. “Is everything really okay? You seem a little distracted.”

Helen considered how to explain their current situation. “Everything’s fine, sweetheart. We just have an... interesting neighbor. Mel thinks something might be wrong, but you know how detectives are. They see mysteries everywhere.”

“And you’re getting involved?” Diane’s sounded even more concerned. “Mom, you’re supposed to be on vacation.”

“We’re just being observant,” Helen said, using Mel’s words from earlier. “Besides, I trust Mel’s instincts. She was a detective for thirty years.”

“Just be careful, okay?” Diane sighed, and her voice softened. “I know you’re an adult and can make your own decisions, but you’re still my mom. I worry.”

Helen smiled. “I know you do, sweetheart. And I love you for it,” she said. “But I promise we’re being careful. Mel would never let anything happen to me.” Through the glass, she saw Mel making notes on a small pad, probably documenting their neighbor’s behavior. The sight made her smile widen. Some habits never changed.

“You really love her, don’t you?”

“I do,” Helen admitted. “Very much. It surprised me too, you know. Falling in love right now. But sometimes the heart knows better than the head.”

“Well,” Diane said after a moment, “I suppose I should meet her properly then. Maybe when you get back, you could both visit? The kids would love to see their grandmother, and, well, I’d like to get to know Mel better.”

Helen felt her heart swell. “We’d love that, sweetheart. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. I am happy that you are happy, and now I won’t keep you from your vacation any longer,” Diane said, her tone back to business. “I’ll call you tomorrow.”

After they hung up, Helen sat on the balcony and processed the conversation. She heard movement behind her. “Everything okay?” Mel asked, appearing in the doorway with a fresh cup of coffee for Helen.

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